Can I Keep My Cat In Cage?

Whether to cage a cat needs to be judged on a case-by-case basis, the key is the purpose, length of time, cage conditions and the individual needs of the cat. Here are the detailed recommendations:

 

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(1) Situations in which the cage can be locked up for a short period of time

1. Medical needs

- If recovering after surgery or recovering from injury, follow veterinary instructions, provide comfortable and large enough space, ensure water, litter box and soft MATS.

- For example, recovery from a fracture may require activity restriction for 2-4 weeks.

 

2. Temporary security protection

- When moving, renovating or there is a temporary danger in the home (such as insecticide), the cage can avoid stress or accidents, but the time should be as short as possible (a few hours to 1 day).

 

3. Multi-cat isolation or new cat adaptation

- When a new cat is introduced into a home, short periods of confinement (combined with free time) can help indigenous people adapt gradually and reduce conflict.

 

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Risks and alternatives to long-term confinement

1. Behavioural and health risks

- Psychological problems: Long-term captivity may lead to depression, anxiety, excessive licking of fur, or aggressive behavior.

- Physical problems: Lack of exercise can lead to obesity, joint problems or urinary problems.

 

2. Alternative solutions to behavioral problems

- Scratching furniture: Provide multiple cat scratching boards, trim nails regularly, and protect furniture with double-sided tape or tinfoil.

- Disorderly discharge: Check litter box cleanliness (daily cleaning), location (quiet and easy to reach) or try different litter types.

Hyperactivity: Increase interactive play (15-30 minutes per day), provide vertical space (cat crawlers) and educational toys.

 

3. Solutions for special situations

- If you need to temporarily restrict your activities due to rental restrictions, you can set up a cat room or use a large enclosure (with jumping platforms and toys) instead of a small cage.

 

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Third, if the cage must be closed, how to reduce the negative impact?

1. Choose the right cage

- At least 1.5 times the length of the cat's body, preferably layered (e.g. large dog cage modifications).

- Internal storage of cat nests, water bowls, litter boxes, hanging toys or catnip.

 

2. Gradually adapt with free time

- Get the cat to enter the cage voluntarily through a treat reward to avoid coercion causing fear.

Offer hours of free time each day to socialize and explore.

 

3. Monitor the situation closely

- If the cat refuses to eat, howls excessively or is listless, stop caging immediately and consult a veterinarian or behavioral specialist.

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Summary and suggestion

- Short-term necessary confinement: to ensure safety and comfort, priority for medical or emergency use.

- Long-term behavior management: Address root causes and improve environmental abundance, rather than relying on captivity.

- Bottom line principle: Cat welfare should take precedence over human convenience, with long-term caging only as a last resort.

 

If there are specific circumstances (such as the cat's age, health status, or behavioral problems), targeted programs can be further explored.